The Bullies Who Loved Me

by Mia Belle

  I hug my pillow close to my chest. “No. I mean, yeah it happened. But they’re not bullying me anymore. They want to be my…my friends.”

  Her jaw drops. “What?”

  I shrug. “That’s what they said today.”

  “Hold on, hold on, back it up. Start from the beginning.”

  And I do, I tell her everything since day one, the bullying, how they wanted to run me out of my own school. Then I tell her about the guys learning the truth about Blake’s death. And I finish off with them apologizing and asking for forgiveness. About them not leaving me alone. I also mention what happened at the diner today.

  She sits back, eyes dazed. “Oh my god. Do you trust them?”

  My body feels stiff. “I don’t know. I mean, they worked at the diner today. Ryder Kensington, the richest kid in our town, worked at my parents’ diner.”

  She’s quiet as she thinks. “If I were you, I’d welcome their friendship.”

  I gape at her. “Zoe, they terrorized me.”

  “And they feel rotten about it.” She snatches my phone off the table.

  “Hey!” I try to reach for it, but she holds it away from me as she thumbs through it.

  “Just as I thought, you’ve been texting one of them. Caden. Aw, he’s so sweet. And he sent you a new text. See?”

  I wrench my phone from her fingers. “Those are private.” I read his new text.

  Hey. Did you make it home okay?

  “He cares about you,” she says in a dreamy tone.

  I give her a look. “Or it’s his guilt talking.”

  “Nope. Even guilt wouldn’t make a guy text you like that. I mean, he’s asking you if you’re okay.”

  I roll my eyes. “Honestly, he didn’t really bully me. He stood by and watched the others, but he never touched me.”

  Her eyes glimmer. “He so has a crush on you!”

  “What the hell are you talking about? He does not.”

  She beams. “Why else didn’t he bully you?”

  “Because he’s a sweet guy?”

  Her eyes bug out of their sockets. “You think he’s sweet? Oh my god, you like him, too!”

  “I do not.” I shove her so hard she falls off the bed. Then I quickly peer over the side. “Sorry! Are you okay?”

  She rolls on the floor, laughing like someone’s tickling her with a feather. I help her back to the bed.

  “I don’t like any of the Kings,” I tell her. “Never have. They bullied me, Zoe. They tore me apart from the inside. I can never forgive them, even if they apologized and helped my parents with the diner.”

  She studies me. “But a part of you wants to forgive them. Or at least you’re leaning toward it.”

  I slump forward. “I don’t know. They bullied me, but now they’re being nice to me. I feel like an idiot. Like, what if I lower my guard and let them in and then they betray me in the most horrible way possible?”

  My phone pings and Zoe’s quick to check the text. She’s grinning as she passes it over to me. “That sounds like a boy who has no intention of betraying you.”

  I read the text. Daphne? Are you okay? Are your parents okay? Did you guys make it home okay?

  Is he worried we were accosted by more kids from school or something?

  Zoe pokes me. “Tell him you’re fine and made it home safely before the poor guy has a heart attack.”

  Zoe watches over my shoulder as I text: We’re fine.

  “No, no, no. That sounds so dry. Say more.”

  I give her a face. “I’m not flirting with him.”

  She scowls. “Aw, what a waste. Don’t you get it? You can have the boys wrapped around your finger. You can take advantage of their guilt.”

  I send the text and toss my phone aside. “I’d never do that.”

  “Right. Yeah, that’s not a good idea.” She sits up. “But think about how much fun you could have. I mean, these three hot, hot boys want to be your friends. How many other kids can say that?”

  I give her another look. “They want to be my friends because they feel sorry for me. What kind of friendship is that?”

  She sighs dreamily. “I’d take it, no matter the reason.” She lies down, still with that dreamy look on her face. “Wow, the Kings of Leighton High want to be your friends.”

  “They asked me to sit with them during lunch all week, but I refused.”

  She sits up, frowning. “Damn it. My mom had to take me out of Leighton High? I would have wanted to sit with them at lunch and become their friend. No fair.”

  “Zoe, are you even listening to yourself? They made my life a living hell. I’m not just going to forget it happened.”

  “But they feel terribly about it!” She urges. “They realize they made a mistake and they want to be your friends now. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Some friendships were built from hate, you know. Like that couple in that movie you love. Remember? He almost ran her over and she hated him. Then they got married.”

  I squish my pillow tightly to my chest. “That’s a movie. This is real life.”

  “Movies are based on real life.” She takes both my hands in hers. “I’m not saying you should, like, forget what happened. I just think you should give them a chance. We’re human and humans make mistakes, right? I mean, I pissed you off so many times and you forgave me. Remember when I wanted really badly to be friends with that girl in fifth grade. I don’t even remember her name—she left the next year. You felt so bad that I ditched you for her. But you forgave me.”

  It’s not the same thing, but I see her point. If I don’t forgive—or get close to forgiving—then what kind of person am I? One that doesn’t give others a second chance?

  But at the same time, I need to protect myself.

  I’m still so confused. I bury my face in my hands. “I don’t know.”

  Zoe wraps her arms around me, pulling me close. “It’s up to you, Daph, but from what you told me, those guys seem sincere. They’re protecting you, for heaven’s sake.”

  “I don’t need their protection,” I mutter.

  “Yeah, but every girl likes to feel protected every now and then. And you have three hot boys to watch over you.”

  My phone pings again, sending Zoe into a squealing fit. I quickly grab my phone before her nosy fingers can seize it.

  Another text from Caden.

  I’m glad about that. I had fun at the diner tonight and am looking forward to working there tomorrow.

  Zoe squeals so loudly in my ear I go deaf for a second. “He wants to see you again.” She’s melting now, lying on my bed with her arms and legs stretched.

  I scowl at her. “Caden Murray does not like me. Just because he wants to be my friend, it doesn’t mean anything. So will you quit freaking out?”

  She sits up on one elbow. “Fine. But just so you know, you’re cute, okay? So it’s not so shocking that a guy would like you.”

  “Zoe.”

  She grabs my phone. “Read between the lines. What do you see?”

  “That he wants to work at the diner because he feels bad and wants to make it up to me. Or he has nothing else to do on a Saturday.”

  She snorts. “Sure. A guy like him could have any girl he wants. He’s hot. All three Kings are. But guess what? They’re spending their weekend with you.”

  “Because they feel bad! And anyway, Eric won’t be there. He’s being all secretive. Even his friends don’t know what’s up with him.”

  Her eyes widen with interest. “Hmm. Maybe he has a secret girlfriend or something. Or an older woman!”

  “Wouldn’t he brag about that to his friends?”

  She shrugs and is about to say something when her phone rings. Her lips twist. “Ugh, my mom.” She picks up. “Yeah, Mom? At Daphne’s. I told you I was going there because I wanted to talk to her about something. Yeah, yeah. Okay.” She hangs up. “She wants me home.” She pulls me into a hug. “Take my advice,” she says before leaping to the door, blowing me a kiss, and vanishing down the
hall.

  I watch her go, thinking. That’s all I seem to do lately.

  Reaching for my phone, I read Caden’s text over. Zoe’s wrong. Caden doesn’t like me. Not in that way. He wants to be friends.

  Honestly, I could do with friends. I hate walking down the halls alone or sitting by myself at lunch.

  Fine. I’ll give them a chance. But only one. If this is one big huge joke to them, then I’m never going to trust anyone as long as I live.

  I text Caden back.

  Daphne: I like working at the diner, too. But it’s hard sometimes. Are you sure you want to give up your Saturday?

  His text comes less than a minute later.

  Caden: Of course. Even if I had plans, I’d cancel them.

  Daphne: Why?

  Caden: I like your parents. I like working there. It’s fun.

  Daphne: I’m sure there are many girls who could distract you with more fun things.

  A few minutes pass without him answering. Then he finally says,

  Caden: I don’t like those girls.

  Daphne: Do you like any girl? I never see you flirting with anyone.

  Caden: I like girls, but I haven’t found…that special one. I don’t know. Maybe I just have this crazy, impossible fantasy.

  Daphne: What fantasy?

  It’s quiet on his end.

  I reread the texts, wondering if I said something wrong. Did I push too far? Why is he even telling me this stuff? We hardly know each other, even though we’ve been in school together for two years.

  Caden: I’d better go to bed. Good night, Daphne.

  I wish him good night, then think about our conversation. He’d rather work at the diner than have fun on the weekend. Why? Ryder’s so rich he and his friends can do anything they want. But they’re choosing to work. I don’t get it. Not one bit.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Ryder

  The lunch rush at Jillian’s Diner isn’t as crazy as last night, but I know we’ll get more people the closer we reach dinner time.

  I haven’t had much time to talk to Daphne. We just shout orders to one another and help out with each other’s tables, but that’s pretty much it.

  When things slow down, Daphne’s mom tells us to take a break for a few hours.

  “Go out and have fun.” She waves us off.

  “Are you going to be okay?” Daphne asks.

  She waves again. “Go on.”

  We stand outside the diner, looking at one another. Caden’s hair is tied back. His cheeks are red from slaving away in the kitchen. Daphne looks tired, yet full of energy at the same time.

  It’s too bad Eric’s not here. We don’t hang out as much as we used to, and I miss the guy.

  “So what are we doing?” Caden asks.

  “My place?” I offer.

  Daphne turns to leave.

  “Hey, where you off to?” I ask her.

  She faces us. “Home. I have some homework I need to catch up on.”

  “Come join us.”

  She lifts a brow. “Where?”

  “To my house to watch movies.”

  She lifts a brow again.

  “Ryder has a movie theater in his house,” Caden explains.

  She makes a face like that doesn’t surprise her. “I don’t know.”

  I look at Caden. She doesn’t trust us. I get it.

  “That’s okay,” Caden says. “Maybe another time.”

  Mrs. Pickett sticks her head out of the door. “You kids are still here? Go out and have fun. I couldn’t help overhearing your movie plans. Daphne, you should join the boys.”

  Daphne tries to eye-signal her mom not to make her do this, but Mrs. Pickett smiles and pulls her head back inside.

  “Guess I’m going,” she says.

  I slide my phone from my pocket. “I’ll call Eric and tell him to meet us at my place.”

  He picks up at the third ring. “Yeah?”

  “Why are you whispering?” I ask. “Where are you?”

  “Working.”

  “Working?”

  “With…with Phoebe. On her math. She’s falling behind and asked me to help her. We’ve been studying all day.”

  “Take a break, then. We’re meeting at my house. I want to give Daphne a tour and then we’ll watch movies. Want to come?”

  He pauses. “Daphne’s going?”

  I turn away so she can’t overhear. “I don’t think she hates us as much as she did. She seemed curious about my movie theater. Are you coming?”

  He’s quiet before, “I’ll be there in an hour. Phoebe still needs my help.”

  I hang up, then turn to Caden and Daphne. “I’ll call for my chauffer Simon to fetch us.”

  When the car pulls up, Daphne’s eyes widen. She probably never paid attention to all the different cars I’ve driven to school. Most girls always beg me for a ride in one of them. For some reason, I kind of want to drive Daphne around.

  Simon opens the door for her and she climbs in. Caden and I follow suit. She marvels at the interior. I never thought much about my cars. I buy a few a year so it’s not a big deal. But seeing Daphne’s face light up with wonder makes me realize that not everyone has grown up the way I have. I’ve taken it all for granted.

  If I don’t take over the business, I won’t have it anymore. But I don’t need money or fancy cars. I just want my swimming.

  The car reaches my house and we get out. Caden and Daphne follow me to the front door. She’s a little hesitant, like she’s still not sure if she trusts us. Caden gives her sweet smile, which seems to relax her.

  The servants answer the door, lightly bowing their heads as they greet us. Daphne’s been at my house a few times, but I don’t think she’s ever seen the help. I never have them around when I throw my parties.

  I give her a tour, starting with the living room and dining room, up the stairs to the many guest rooms, back down to the kitchen and the second living room. Our last stop is the basement, where the entertainment is located.

  Daphne’s mouth nearly sweeps the floor as she takes in my theater. It’s got many seats lined up like a normal movie theater, and a large screen at the front of the room. At the back is a concession stand that’s empty right now. But a servant will run to hand us food if I ask for it.

  “Wow,” she says as she slowly spins around, absorbing every detail. “I’ve never see anything like this.”

  I laugh. “Yeah, it’s pretty neat. What do you want to watch?”

  She shrugs. “I don’t really care. You pick. But remember I only have, like, three hours before I have to return to the diner.”

  I bend toward her. “We have three hours before we need to return.”

  “How much longer are you guys going to work there? I mean, you can’t help out every weekend. That’s insane.”

  “I’ll hire some people to work there and I’ll pay them.” I walk down the rows, searching for the perfect seat. I’ve been here all my life and I still haven’t found it.

  “You can’t pay my mom’s employees,” Daphne says.

  “Why not? I can afford it.” I stop at a seat and check out the screen at the front. Then I move on to the next row.

  Daphne comes to stand next to me. “Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you should. We’re not charity.”

  I stop and turn to her. “I never said you were.”

  Her hands go to her hips. “What do you call it, then?”

  I think about it for a second or two. “Maybe you’re right. Okay, I won’t get involved in the diner unless it’s to bring new customers. And you don’t have to worry about me working there every weekend. I really don’t mind.”

  “Me, either,” Caden says.

  She shakes her head. “What about your epic Friday night parties?”

  I shrug. “Can do without them. I only throw them because I don’t have anything else to do. Now I do.” I continue looking for the best seat. “Looks good. Have you chosen a movie, Daphne?”

  She lower
s herself in one of the seats at the row I’m at. “I don’t even know what I’m doing here.”

  Caden sits on her right and I go to her left. “What do you mean?” he asks.

  She shakes her head like she’s arguing with herself. “You guys have been nice with the diner and everything, but you still hurt me. I can’t forget it. I mean, I want to, but I don’t…I can’t lower my guard.”

  Caden nods in understanding. “But we don’t want to hurt you. We don’t want to forget what we did to you, because as long as we remember, we’ll never do it again.”

  She turns to him. “I already told you that you didn’t do anything.”

  “And I told you that I didn’t stop it.”

  I lean back in my chair. “Can we not talk about it? Where the hell is Eric? That guy’s been shutting us out for too long.”

  “He’s with his sister,” Caden says. “She needs him more than we do. But you’re right. He’s been acting very weird lately. It’s like he doesn’t want to hang out anymore.” He puffs up his cheeks. “This crap with Blake really messed him up. Wish there was a way to help him.”

  No one says anything and the room grows silent. I’m also worried about my best friend, but if he’s not ready for us to be there for him, then there’s not much we can do. I force a smile. “How about that new sci-fi movie that came out this week?”

  Daphne gapes at me. “You can watch it here?”

  “Sure. I’ll tell Tim to put it on.” I turn to go, then face them. “What about snacks?”

  Daphne turns to the back of the room. “I didn’t realize you have your own concession stand. This is crazy.”

  I get their orders, then tell Tim to start the movie. Each of us has our own bucket of popcorn and other snacks.

  Ten minutes into the first scene, a servant walks in, followed by Eric. She gestures for him to join us before dashing off.

  He drops down near Caden, burying his head in his hands.

  “Rough day?” I ask. “That sixth grade math must have fried your brain.”

  He lifts his head, looks at me, but doesn’t say anything. It’s hard to see in the dark, but I’m pretty sure he’s exhausted. No wonder he collapsed in that seat.